Additive manufacturing techniques for a socket and liner combination device

Abstract

A prosthetic assembly includes a socket and a liner. The socket includes a first interlocking feature and defines an inner volume. The liner includes a second interlocking feature. The first interlocking feature and the second interlocking feature are configured to engage each other when the liner is inserted into the inner volume of the socket. The liner is configured to receive a distal limb of a patient. At least one of the socket or the liner include inner voids extending within walls of the socket or the liner.

1 . A prosthetic assembly comprising:
 a socket comprising a first interlocking feature, the socket defining an inner volume; and   a liner comprising a second interlocking feature, wherein the first interlocking feature and the second interlocking feature are configured to engage each other when the liner is inserted into the inner volume of the socket, the liner configured to receive a distal limb of a patient;   wherein at least one of the socket or the liner comprise a plurality of inner voids extending within walls of the socket or the liner;   wherein the plurality of inner voids comprise a set of internal channels for electrical components, the set of internal channels configured to receive at least one sensor or transducer and at least one myoelectric wire.   
     
     
         2 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the set of internal channels are a first set of internal channels, wherein the plurality of inner voids comprise a second set of internal channels for heat dissipation from the patient's distal limb to facilitate cooling of the patient's distal limb. 
     
     
         3 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the set of internal channels are a first set of internal channels, wherein the plurality of inner voids comprise a second set of internal channels for moisture evaporation from the patient's distal limb to facilitate evaporation of sweat or bodily fluids from the patient's distal limb. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical components comprise components of a Peltier cooling system. 
     
     
         6 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the set of internal channels are a first set of internal channels, wherein the plurality of inner voids comprise a second set of internal channels configured to provide therapy or medication to the patient's distal limb. 
     
     
         7 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the socket or the liner comprises a variable thickness along a longitudinal length or radial direction of the socket or the liner. 
     
     
         8 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the liner comprises a lattice structure, the lattice structure positioned at a distal end of the liner and positioned between a double wall of the liner, the lattice structure configured to facilitate desired transfer of forces between the prosthetic assembly and the patient's distal limb, to absorb impact forces, and to reduce shear stress. 
     
     
         9 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the prosthetic assembly is an above-the-knee or below-the-knee lower limb prosthetic assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the prosthetic assembly is an above-the-elbow, below-the-elbow, at the wrist, or a finger upper limb prosthetic assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the socket is manufactured from a thermoplastic or a thermoplastic reinforced with high strength material. 
     
     
         12 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the liner is manufactured from a flexible silicone material or a higher durometer rubber. 
     
     
         13 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein an exterior surface of the liner and an internal surface of the socket are configured to engage each other to define sealed vacuum sections between the liner and the socket, wherein other sections of the liner and the socket do not define sealed vacuum sections. 
     
     
         14 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the prosthetic assembly is entirely manufactured through at least one of:
 additive manufacturing; or   injection molding.   
     
     
         15 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the liner or the socket comprise connection points configured to couple additional componentry to the prosthetic assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the connection points comprise an extrusion or a recess disposed on the liner or the socket. 
     
     
         17 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first interlocking feature comprises a protrusion and the second interlocking feature comprises a void, wherein the protrusion is configured to be received within the void to removably couple the socket with the liner. 
     
     
         18 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first interlocking feature comprises a void and the second interlocking feature comprises a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to be received within the void to removably couple the socket with the liner. 
     
     
         19 . The prosthetic assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the socket and the liner conform to an anatomical shape of the patient's distal limb. 
     
     
         20 - 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . A prosthetic assembly, comprising:
 a socket comprising a first interlocking feature, the socket defining an inner volume; and   a liner comprising a second interlocking feature, wherein the first interlocking feature and the second interlocking feature are configured to engage each other when the liner is inserted into the inner volume of the socket, the liner configured to receive a distal limb of a patient;   wherein at least one of the socket or the liner comprise a plurality of inner voids extending within walls of the socket or the liner;   wherein the plurality of inner voids comprise a set of internal channels for heat dissipation from the patient's distal limb to facilitate cooling of the patient's distal limb.   
     
     
         46 . A prosthetic assembly, comprising:
 a socket comprising a first interlocking feature, the socket defining an inner volume; and   a liner comprising a second interlocking feature, wherein the first interlocking feature and the second interlocking feature are configured to engage each other when the liner is inserted into the inner volume of the socket, the liner configured to receive a distal limb of a patient;   wherein at least one of the socket or the liner comprise a plurality of inner voids extending within walls of the socket or the liner;   wherein the plurality of inner voids comprise a set of internal channels configured to provide therapy or medication to the patient's distal limb.